On Thursday, 10/31/24 at approximately 5:45 PM, Troop K- Colchester received an erratic operation complaint via 911 on Route 2 eastbound in the Bozrah area. The 911 caller reported to Troop K that a black Volkswagen Jetta was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed and passing other traffic in an unsafe manner.
A Trooper assigned to Troop K was actively patrolling Route 2 eastbound at this time and observed a vehicle matching the description as provided by the caller. The Trooper began to clock the Volkswagen's speed by calibrate speedometer and observed speeds ranging from 95-100 mph. Based upon this observation, the Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. The operator complied and pulled over in the area of exit 22 in Bozrah. The operator was positively identified by his CT license as Steven Hettrick (DOB 12/25/64), of Middlefield.
Upon asking Hettrick about his speed, Hettrick explained that he was running late for a concert. The Trooper began to notice signs of intoxication while speaking with Hettrick, to include watery eyes with pinpoint pupils. Based upon these observations, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing was administered. Hettrick submitted to SFST's, to which he subsequently failed. Hettrick admitted to consuming both alcohol and cannabis prior to driving.
Hettrick was arrested without incident and transported to Troop K, where he was processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-227a(2nd); Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of
Alcohol/Drugs (2nd Offense)
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving
Chemical testing later conducted at Troop K revealed that Hettrick's blood alcohol content was in excess of the legal limit. Hettrick was later released from custody on a $3,500 bond and is scheduled to appear at Norwich Superior Court on 11/19/24. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
